Burn Right Vermont

Vermont learns to start and burn fires more efficiently to benefit themselves, the community and the environment.

Five simple ways to Burn Right

Step 1. Burn the right fuel

Use properly seasoned wood, cut in the spring and dried over the summer. Store wood outdoors, off the ground, with the top covered but the sides left open for airflow.

Step 2. Flip your fire upside down

Yes, you read right — upside down! The conventional method of lighting kindling below big logs releases excessive smoke. Lighting from the top and letting the fire spread down creates a better draft and less pollution.

Step 3. Keep the fire burning hot

This ensures that the combustion chamber doesn’t cool. A hot fire is an efficient and clean fire. Harmful emissions are burned before they can go up your smokestack.

Step 4. Check the color of the smoke

When you Burn Right there should be no smoke in your firebox or chimney. Black and yellow smoke mean your fire is burning inefficiently and producing a lot of health-damaging emissions.

Step 5. Use a clean & efficient stove

Low-emission wood stoves and furnaces are designed to reduce air pollution. If you have an older stove, consider upgrading. A new stove will use less fuel and will save you money over time.